warning lights Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owner's Manuals

8 %
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[IS00600( ALL)01/96]
The instrument panel (dashboard) on your
vehicle is divided into several different sections.
The illustrations on the following pages show
the major parts of the instrument panel that are
described in this chapter. Some items shown
may not be on all vehicles.
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[IS00800( BC )04/96]
In your vehicle, the warning lights and gauges
are grouped together on the instrument panel.
We call this grouping a cluster.
File:03rcisc.ex
Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

10
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[IS01700( BCGV)01/96]
The Mechanical Cluster
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[IS02000( BCGV)01/96]
The following warning lights and gauges are on
the mechanical cluster. All of the warning lights
and gauges alert you to possible problems with
your vehicle. Some of the lights listed are
optional. The following sections detail what each
of these indicators means.
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[IS02600( ALL)01/96]
Brake System Warning Light
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[IS02700( ALL)03/96]
The warning light for the brakes can show two
things Ð that the parking brake is not fully
released, or that the brake fluid level is low in
the master cylinder reservoir. If the fluid level is
low, the brake system should be checked by a
qualified service technician.
[IS02800( BC )04/96]
one inch art:0000108-E
The brake system warning light
[IS03100( ALL)12/95]
This light comes on when the parking brake is
set, or if it is not set, it comes on briefly when
you turn the ignition key to START. It normally
goes off shortly after the engine starts and you
release the parking brake. If the light stays on
after you have fully released the parking brake,
have the hydraulic brake system serviced.
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[IS03200( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The BRAKE light indicates that the brakes
may not be working properly. Have the
brakes checked immediately.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

16 %
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[IS09000( ALL)03/96]
High Beam Light
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[IS09100( ALL)03/96]
This light illuminates when the headlamps are
turned to high beam or when you flash the
lights.
[IS09200( ALL)04/96]
one inch art:0010125-B
The high beam light
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[IS11050( BC )12/95]
Service Engine Soon Warning Light
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[IS11100( ALL)05/96]
This light illuminates when the engine's
Emission Control System requires service. It will
also illuminate when the ignition key is in the
ON position and the engine is off.
[IS11350( BC )05/96]
one inch art:0000282-B
The service engine soon warning light
%*
[IS12100( BC )04/96]
Anti-Theft Alarm Light (If equipped)
[IS12150(MBC )04/96]
one inch art:0001389-A
Anti-theft alarm light
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:56:06 1996

67
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[CF15810( ALL)03/96]
The Interior and Exterior Lights
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[CF15820( ALL)03/96]
Daytime Running Light System
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[CF15900( ALL)03/96]
(Canadian vehicles only)
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[CF16000( ALL)03/96]
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system turns
the high beam headlamps on, with a reduced
light output, when:
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[CF16100( ALL)03/96]
q
The headlamp system is in the OFF position,
and
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[CF16200( ALL)01/96]
q
The vehicle is running, and
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[CF16300( ALL)03/96]
q
The vehicle has a fully released parking
brake.
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[CF16400( BCGV)12/95]
NOTE: If you have a vehicle with an
automatic lighting system, the DRL
system is active until the automatic
system turns on the headlamps.
[CF16500( ALL)04/96]
NOTE: The high beam indicator will not turn
on in the flash-to-pass mode during
nighttime driving.
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[CF16600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: You may notice that the lights flicker
when the vehicle is turned on or off.
This is a normal condition.
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[CF16700( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
The Daytime Running Light (DRL) system
will not illuminate the tail lamps and
parking lamps. Turn on your headlamps
at dusk. Failure to do so may result in a
collision.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

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[CF24100( ALL)01/96]
Ignition
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[CF24200( ALL)01/96]
Understanding the Positions of the Ignition
[CF24300( ALL)12/95]
quarter page art:0010035-B
The positions of the key in the ignition
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[CF24500( BCGV)04/96]
ACC allows some of your vehicle's electrical
accessories such as the radio and the windshield
wipers to operate while the engine is not
running.
% [CF24600( ALL)12/95]
LOCK locks the steering wheel. It also locks the
automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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[CF24700( ALL)01/96]
LOCK is the only position that allows you to
remove the key. The LOCK feature helps to
protect your vehicle from theft.
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[CF24800( ALL)01/96]
OFF allows you to shut off the engine and all
accessories without locking the steering wheel or
the automatic transmission gearshift lever.
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[CF24900( ALL)01/96]
ON allows you to test your vehicle's warning
lights (except the brake system warning light) to
make sure they work before you start the
engine. The key returns to the ON position once
the engine is started and remains in this position
while the engine runs.
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[CF25000( ALL)01/96]
START cranks the engine. Release the key once
the engine starts so that you do not damage the
starter. The key should return to ON when you
release it. The START position also allows you
to test the brake warning light.
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Update:Fri Jun 7 13:58:04 1996

146
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[TO01300( ALL)02/96]
Before you start your vehicle, you should test
the warning lights on the instrument panel to
make sure that they work. Refer to the
Instrumentationchapter.
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[TO01400( ALL)01/96]
Starting Your Engine
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[TO01500( ALL)01/96]
To start your engine:
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[TO01600( ALL)01/96]
1. Follow the steps underPreparing to Start
Your Vehicleat the beginning of this section.
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[TO01700( ALL)01/96]
2. Turn the ignition key to the ON position.
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[TO01800( ALL)01/96]
3. DO NOT depress the accelerator pedal when
starting your engine. DO NOT use the
accelerator while the vehicle is parked.
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[TO01900( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the key to the START position
(cranking) until the engine starts. Allow the
key to return to the ON position after the
engine has started.
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[TO02000( ALL)01/96]
If you have difficulty in turning the key,
rotate the steering wheel slightly because it
may be binding.
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[TO02100( ALL)01/96]
For a cold engine:
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[TO02200( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperatures10ÊF (-12ÊC) andbelow:If
the engine does not start infifteen (15)
secondson the first try, turn the key to OFF,
wait approximately ten (10) seconds so you
do not flood the engine, then try again.
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[TO02300( ALL)01/96]
q
At temperaturesabove10ÊF(-12ÊC):If the
engine does not start infive (5) secondson
the first try, turn the key to OFF, wait
approximately ten (10) seconds so you do not
flood the engine, then try again.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996

167 %
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[GF21600( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's brakes
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[GF21700( ALL)05/96]
Electric brakes and manual, automatic, or
surge-type hydraulic brakes are safe if you
install them properly and adjust them according
to the manufacturer's instructions. Be sure that
your trailer's brakes meet local and federal
regulations.
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[GF21900( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Do not connect a trailer's hydraulic brake
system directly to your vehicle's brake
system. Your vehicle may not have
enough braking power and your chances
of having a collision greatly increase.
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[GF22000( ALL)05/96]
Connecting the trailer's lights
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[GF22100( ALL)05/96]
Do not connect a trailer's lighting system
wiring directly to your vehicle's lighting system
wiring.To get the proper equipment for
hooking up your trailer's lights, see your local
trailer dealer and your Ford dealer. Be sure to
follow their instructions carefully.
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[GF22300( ALL)05/96]
If you do not install trailer lights correctly, you
may cause damage to the vehicle's lighting
system.
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[GF22400( ALL)05/96]
Driving While You Tow
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[GF22500( ALL)05/96]
Be especially careful when driving while you
tow a trailer. Never drive faster than 45 mph
(70 km/h) when you tow in hilly country on
hot days. Also, anticipate stops so that you can
brake gradually.
[GF22800(MBC )12/95]
If you tow in Overdrive while riding through
hilly country, your vehicle may frequently shift
between Overdrive and Third gears. To prevent
your vehicle from shifting too much, depress the
Transmission Control Switch (TCS). This will
also give the engine more power going up hills
and better engine braking going down hills.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996

181
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[ER08100( ALL)03/96]
RWARNING
If you see or smell fuel, do not reset the
switch or try to start your vehicle. Have
all the passengers get out of the vehicle
and call the local fire department or a
towing service.
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[ER08200( ALL)03/96]
If your engine cranks but does not start after a
collision or substantial jolt:
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[ER08300( ALL)01/96]
1. Turn the ignition key to the OFF position.
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[ER08400( ALL)03/96]
2. Check under the vehicle for leaking fuel.
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[ER08500( ALL)01/96]
3. If you do not see or smell fuel, push the red
reset button down. If the button is already
set, you may have a different mechanical
problem.
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[ER08600( ALL)01/96]
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON position for
a few seconds, then turn it to the OFF
position.
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[ER08700( ALL)03/96]
5. Check under the vehicle again for leaking
fuel.If you see or smell fuel, do not start
your vehicle again.If you do not see or
smell fuel, you can try to start your vehicle
again.
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[ER08800( ALL)01/96]
6. Check all vehicle warning lights before
driving the vehicle.
%
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[ER09300( ALL)02/96]
Changing a Tire
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[ER09400( ALL)02/96]
If you get a flat tire while you are driving, do
not apply the brake heavily. Instead, gradually
decrease the speed. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and slowly move to a safe place on the
side of the road. Park on a level spot, turn off
the ignition, set the parking brake, and turn on
the hazard flashers.
File:10rcerc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:30:02 1996

191
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[ER19400(MBC )12/95]
Removing the anti-theft lug nut
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[ER19500(MBC )02/96]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Make
sure that you hold the key square to the lug nut.
If you hold the key on an angle, you may
damage the key and the lug nut.
*
[ER19600(MBC )12/95]
Place the lug nut wrench over the lug nut key
and apply pressure on the key with the wrench.
Turn the wrench in a counterclockwise direction
to remove the lug nut.
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[ER19700(MBC )12/95]
Reinstalling the anti-theft lug nut
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[ER19800(MBC )12/95]
Insert the key over the locking lug nut. Place the
lug nut wrench over the lug nut key and, while
applying pressure on the key, install the lug nut.
%
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[ER19900( ALL)02/96]
Jump-Starting Your Vehicle
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[ER19950( ALL)02/96]
Your vehicle's battery may die if you leave the
lights on or any electrical equipment on after
you turn the engine off. If this happens, you
may be able to jump-start your vehicle with a
booster battery.
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[ER20000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
The gases around the battery can explode
if exposed to flames, sparks, or lit
cigarettes. An explosion could result in
injury or vehicle damage.
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[ER20100( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
To protect yourself when charging a
battery, always shield your face and eyes.
Make sure that you can breathe fresh air.
File:10rcerc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:30:02 1996

239
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[MC35500( ALL)01/96]
q
Heavy loads
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[MC35600( ALL)01/96]
q
Aftermarket add-ons such as bike, ski or
luggage racks, bug deflectors, etc.
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[MC35700( ALL)12/95]
Self-Service Pointers
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[MC35800( ALL)12/95]
If you choose to do your own fueling, you
should also perform a few simple maintenance
routines. This extra effort will save you
additional money and contribute to the driving
efficiency of your vehicle.
*
[MC35900( ALL)12/95]
The following procedures require only a tire
gauge, a rag, an oil can spout and windshield
washer fluid.
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[MC36000( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the engine oil at every refueling stop
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[MC36100( ALL)12/95]
q
Clean the windshield, outside mirrors and
headlights
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[MC36200( ALL)12/95]
q
Check windshield washer fluid
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[MC36300( ALL)12/95]
q
Check tires for excessive wear or worn edges
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[MC36400( ALL)12/95]
q
Check the tire pressure at least monthly
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[MC36500( ALL)01/96]
Emission Control System
*
[MC36600( ALL)01/96]
Your vehicle is equipped with a catalytic
converter which enables your vehicle to comply
with applicable exhaust emission requirements.
*
[MC36700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Exhaust leaks may result in the entry of
harmful and potentially lethal fumes into
the passenger compartment. Under
extreme conditions excessive exhaust
temperatures could damage the fuel
system, the interior floor covering, or
other vehicle components, possibly
causing a fire.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996